| Summary: | <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Garamond,serif">The film <em>Awakenings</em> is testimony to the dream of a neurologist who transiently gave back “freedom” to his post-encephalitis patients, paralyzed by Parkinson’s disease for decades, treating them with what was considered a miracle drug: L-dopa. These awakenings opened his eyes to the tragedy: the passage of time that not all of the patients could admit to having lost. The dichotomy between the benefits and adverse side effects, however evident they seem, is a difficult area in the doctor-patient relationship. Both must accept the reality of the situation. The film is indeed a masterful depiction of medical ethics and of the value of existence.</span>
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